Samantha Armytage has proved to be a major hit as the host of Farmer Wants a Wife 2023, giving the show a major boost in the ratings.
Fans were quick to voice their disappointment when the 46-year-old journalist’s new hosting position was announced, however she’s proved the naysayers wrong.
The premiere of season 12 on April 10 debuted to 630,000 viewers during the prime-time slot on Channel Seven, up from 2022’s 576,000 viewers when Natalie Gruzlewski was the host.
It was the highest-rating entertainment program of the night and beat rivals Nine Network with the launch of Lego Masters: Grand Masters, which saw 502,000 people watch.
Channel Ten’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! trailed behind with 457,000 viewers.
Since the launch, Farmer Wants A Wife viewers have remained steady with episodes drawing in around half a million viewers each night across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
It’s reported the successful ratings have Seven executives eating out of the palm of Samantha’s hand following her departure from the top-rating breakfast show, Sunrise, in 2021.
“She is now in a place to get just about anything she wants from hereon in,’ the Daily Mail reported. “Sam has plans afoot.
“She’s cleverly stayed on the network’s radar knowing if she landed and nailed a lead role like in FWAW then doors would open.”
Even Samantha piped up on Instagram after the first episode aired and said the ratings were “a great result”.
Samantha Armytage announced as Farmer Wants A Wife Host
The former Sunrise host joined Farmer Wants A Wife as a guest in 2022.
In 2023, her role was significantly expanded, booting long-time presenter Natalie from hosting duty.
A Seven executive told TV Tonight at the time the pair had effectively “flipped roles”.
Natalie, who was the face of the show for 11 years, will get more air time when she presents her own segment called “Nat’s Getaway” during the 2023 season.
But the hosting shake-up caught some viewers off-guard and they threatened to boycott the show.
But the ratings don’t lie and fans are clearly still tuning into Farmer Want A Wife for the wholesome drama.
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